Over the past two years, Kyrgyz cinema has been experiencing a real period of prosperity, made possible by the activity of private film companies and state support. According to Ulan Adamaliyev, director of the Cinematography Department at the Ministry of Culture, the boom is characterised not only by an increase in the number of films produced, but also by a marked improvement in their quality, as well as growing audience recognition both inside and outside the country.

Last year, 29 films, seven serials and animated films were produced with government support. While private film companies produced 52 films. The increase in the number of films is also accompanied by an increase in quality. The competitive environment in the distribution market, where unclaimed films are quickly removed from the screens, encourages filmmakers to create strong and interesting works. Not surprisingly, Kyrgyz cameramen are now demonstrating skills that are comparable to those of leading film schools in East Asia and Eurasia.

The highest-grossing films of 2024 

This qualitative leap is also confirmed by audience recognition.  According to the Kyrgyz Film Distribution Association, in 2024, domestic films accounted for about half of the country's total distribution market.  At times, the share of domestic films even reached 60 per cent of total box office receipts, successfully competing with Hollywood films. No other CIS country has such figures. Among the most successful projects of last year were ‘Beyish enenin tamaninda’, ‘Ayash’ and ‘Taxi’.  Moreover, ‘Beyish Enenin Tamananda’ has every chance of becoming the highest-grossing film in the history of Kyrgyz cinema, overtaking the cult ‘Kurmanjan Datka’.

Seeing this, the government began to pay special attention to the sector, increasing funding for the film industry.  The budget for film production has been increased from 250m KGS last year to more than 500m this year. The money is being spent on various areas, including the production of serials, animated and festival films. It should be noted that private companies seek to make money, while the state film studios primarily aim to develop the Kyrgyz language and preserve historical heritage, thus fulfilling an important cultural and ideological mission.

‘To further promote commercial cinema, especially abroad, the Department of Cinematography has launched an international distribution programme.  For the first time, domestic films will be presented in six countries: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Pakistan. For example, Iran alone has 900 cinemas and a total of 2,000 screens. The state bears the considerable costs of dubbing and advertising support, which makes it much easier for Kyrgyz films to enter the international arena and opens up new opportunities for private film companies,’ said Ulan Adamaliyev.

He continued that the development of the industry is unthinkable without qualified personnel.  In this direction, the state sees its role in the further development of the film industry through systematic support for the training of specialists abroad, negotiating with the film academies of France, Germany, Italy and Russia. The first specialists from private studios will be sent for training this year, which will be an important contribution to the future of Kyrgyz cinema.

When it comes to the salaries of the film crew, including actors, scriptwriters and cameramen, they depend on the film's budget and negotiations.

Double taxation of the film industry

Despite growing state support, private film companies continue to seek their own sources of financing, including loans. Today, there are no financial programmes for cinematographers; they bear all their own costs and seek investment on their own. At the same time, the existing tax burden makes it difficult for them to operate. In this regard, to create a more favourable environment for private film production, the government is considering abolishing double taxation.

‘Currently, private film studios, while making films, pay taxes at various stages. First, they pay taxes on the income, from a film. Then, when tickets are sold in cinemas, sales tax is collected. Finally, income tax is also withheld from the profits earned from the distribution of the film. This system of taxation creates a significant financial burden on private film companies and can slow down the pace of development of the industry,’ he said, noting that freeing private film companies from such an excessive tax burden encourages further growth and investment in national film production.

Cinemas: from private chains to modernisation of state-owned venues

In Kyrgyzstan, cinema exhibition is provided by both private chains and state-owned cinemas. Cinematika and Broadway are among the popular ones. The public sector is represented by 39 cinemas across the country. Of these, 20, including the famous Rossiya and Manas cinemas, are under long-term lease.

Particular attention is currently focused on the Ala-Too cinema, whose lease recently expired. This iconic venue is now undergoing extensive modernisation and renovation to become a modern platform for film festivals and other cultural events. The work is scheduled to be completed by the start of this summer's Bishkek Film Festival. The cinema is already partially operational, offering screenings in the renovated auditoriums while other parts of the building continue to be refurbished.

When will Kyrgyz cinema conquer Netflix and world screens?

Conquering foreign markets is an ambitious but achievable goal for Kyrgyz cinema. Although such giants as Netflix, Disney and Amazon have not yet shown active interest in the Kyrgyz market due to its relatively small size, the situation may change. The key to success will be active entry into international distribution. There are already promising platforms in Iran, China and other countries that could become important milestones on the way to global recognition.

In the next five years, if the quality growth dynamics and successful international promotion are maintained, Kyrgyz films may well be of interest to Netflix. As a first step, the Department of Cinematography plans to annually select and present up to 36 of the best domestic films produced by private film companies in foreign markets, laying the foundation for future high-profile successes.